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Oakfield Prep School Dulwich

14 replies

SidJS · 16/03/2012 12:45

Hi, does anyone have any experiences /views of Oakfield Prep School in Dulwich they can share? Thanks

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Lottsie · 18/03/2012 08:49

Yes, hi. I've had 2 children there for 8 & 6yrs respectively & can safely say that the school has undergone alot of upheaval in that time & currently particularly with Head/ Deputy Head changes. Is there anything you particulary wanted to know or just a general impression?

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notthisee · 19/03/2012 19:51

Hi

I'd also be v interested in any comments. I know the head joined in Jan 2011 from Putney High I believe. Has she created many changes (in a good way or not?)

A general impression would also be great.

Many thanks

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SidJS · 01/04/2012 17:35

Hi there, thanks for replying. I heard about all the upheaval you mentioned. I just wanted to know whether it is now more stable, and what you think of the education and pastoral care provided.

Many thanks, SJ

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Pengui · 11/04/2012 06:16

If possible I would also love to hear a general impression of Oakfield. We are new to the neighborhood and considering the school for our two children, but we know nothing of the upheaval you mention. Any insights will be much appreciated!

Many thanks.

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Bexter76 · 29/06/2012 20:42

Not sure if this thread is still active but I'd also be interested in hearing views on Oakfield Prep. My son has been offerred a place for September 2012 and keen to know what parents really think. Cheers :-)

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ELIlford · 16/07/2012 13:55

Moved to SE london went there for an open day and very unimpressed. asked teachers questions no detail in responses very wishy washy. I wouldnt waste your money . Compared to the Prep in Essex my sibling and I attended very poor. Better to send to good state primary than this school and hire a private tutor. also noticed that many schools in this area such as Dulwich Prep do not have a seamless transition from Junior school to Senior School so as a Parent whats the point??

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BooksandBrunch · 16/07/2012 22:54

I've always heard that you're better off paying the extra and going to Dulwich Prep. By the time you whack in after school club costs which is included in Dulwich 's fees, there's not much in it cost wise.

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goatpie · 29/09/2012 18:49

Our kids just started at Oakfield having transferred from the state sector. Both are happy with the curricular and extra curricular learning and so are we. It wasn't an easy decision to move sectors but we think there is a marked difference. Oakfield reflects the community and it is a non selective school. This makes the educational outcomes more meaningful, they focus on a rounded child.

True, there is little between costs once you add everything up but DCPS (which I too was impressed with) had a very academic focus. If you think this is best primary school environment for your sons, then go for it. I came away from the open day feeling that my money wouldn't mean much to the school if our children were to drag down the results. Wrong balance of power.

We wanted our kids to go to a good, diverse school where the class sizes are small enough to allow genuine differentiated learning. The yr 6 destinations are diverse which I took as a sign that teachers thought about what would be a good fit secondary school for the child...not the parents' aspirations. Message me if you want any further info.

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Yumama · 17/10/2012 20:25

Hi there,

We started at Rosemead then transferred to Oakfield (we relocated then came back to the area). We did hear that Oakfield had gone through some challenging times with the change of heads etc.. I would say first the new head teacher Mrs Stevens is working very hard to restore the reputation of the school, bringing in changes and working closely with parents.

I must say, I loved the teachers when we first went for the interview, they made us feel comfortable. Their approach is very different from Sydenham high which is selective and academic and focuses much more on this. I personally prefer that my child is more rounded than just focusing on one thing.

Rosemead (the school close) by is really less diverse and I don't feel that it reflects the area (having been there for 4 years), I have heard some very unsavoury things about it, particularly if you are a black parent with a black boy/child - most of whom have moved their children to DCPS because of this.

I also have to say Rosemead can be clicky and that can filter through to your child - being excluded from parties, play dates etc.. - so for me when we left I really didn't miss this rather unpleasant side.

Anyway all in all, I would say Oakfield is a good school, has good space for kids to play and the sizes of the classes are excellent. Although i wasn't sure at first, I am now happy seeing my little one flourishing.

Hope this helps!

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chick01 · 18/03/2013 12:02

Rosemead is an excellent school. My dd loved it and did very well from there. But, I do agree with you about the cliqueness of some of the parents, certainly in my year, which in many ways for me was rather amusing to watch rather than a problem!!!! Some were so up their own ...... they werent on planet earth!!!!

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McDonaldG50 · 17/06/2013 11:48

Our son attends preschool at Oakfield and is having a wonderful time. We are extremely happy with his development and progress. The teachers are accessible, helpful and supportive. My wife and I are assured that whenever we leave our son at school, whether during the day hours or at the after school club, he is safe and in good hands. The Headmistress, as are all staff whom we have encountered are readily accessible and very polite. It is quite evident that this virtue or value is passed on to the children whom are extremely well behaved. One does not have to analyse too much to see that the staff at Oakfiled have our son's interest at heart and for this, they come highly recommended in my books.

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McDonaldDMc · 29/04/2015 14:49

Our son joined the nursery at Oakfield Preparatory school, Dulwich at age 2.5 years old. He has now been there for 3 years and from our experience of it, we have nothing but praise. My husband and I have seen how the children thrive in such a caring, nurturing environment - our son adores Oakfield. The Head and her staff always put the welfare and education of the children first. We definitely recommend it.

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Maypaul77 · 26/01/2017 22:36

Oakfield is a great school both my kids love it!

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Manogna · 01/03/2018 10:01

Hello,
Not sure if this thread is still active
My son goes to Year1 in a state school and as he is quite academic as well.
We are looking to move him to a prep school in year3. We visited Dulwich prep and liked it a lot but felt its on the pricey side.
From the reviews I felt Oakfield is a good school as well. Can someone help me with a general impression on Oakfield please?

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